“So much fun and we learned a new skill! Nelson was a great coach. No pressure, no rushing, just a whole lot of fun.”
Verified Review
If you’ve ever wanted to try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), this is the place to do it. Sheltered from big swell and wind, Kalapaki Bay offers calm, glassy waters and a mellow surf break perfect for beginners. In this 1.5-hour lesson, local instructors walk you through the basics—paddle grip, board stance, and how not to fall in—before guiding you into the bay to build confidence, balance, and maybe even catch a wave or two. It’s a fun, approachable way to dip into the SUP world, right in the heart of Līhu‘e.
GUEST REQUIREMENTS
For ages 10 and up.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
WHAT TO BRING
Swimwear, towel, sun protection
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations refundable 24 hours prior for groups of 6 or less, 72 hours for 6 or more.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
4.7★ from 150+ reviews on TripAdvisor
Visitors rave about the patient, knowledgeable instructors and the supportive learning environment. Many beginners report getting up on their first lesson thanks to clear, step-by-step coaching. Reviews also praise the fun small-group vibe, quality gear, and idyllic, sheltered bay conditions—calling it a highlight for families and new paddlers alike.
Kauai’s Best SUP Lesson
Stand-up paddling is the fastest growing sport in the water. We have top stand-up paddle boards that anybody can ride. Kalapaki’s sheltered bay is ideal for learning paddling basics and is Kauai’s premier SUP surf break.
QUICK DETAILS
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 3 p.m.
- Ages: 10+
Additional Information: - You must now how to swim.Kauai Beach Boys is Lihue’s original surf school and beach concession, operating since 1983 under family ownership. Rooted in the golden era of Hawaiian “Beach Boys,” their instructors—many with decades of local experience—combine surfing, stand-up paddling, and Aloha spirit. Based on Kalapaki Beach and adjacent to the Marriott, they offer personalized SUP lessons with high-quality boards, expert guidance, and warm hospitality.
3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766, right on Kalapaki Beach at the Kauai Beach Boys surf and SUP shop.
** Same Day Cancellation is 100% charge.
** No-Shows are charged 100%
** Customers who are late and unable to attend scheduled activity for any reason including medical, will be charged 100% and are welcome to reschedule ONLY on stand-by basis. Rescheduling the activity is only allowed ONCE.
** 24-hour cancellation policy. No charge if cancelled prior to 24 hours cut off.
**Parties of 6+ is a 72-hour cancellation policy.
**Cancellations within (24/72) hours of activity time are subject to a 50% charge.
** To cancel please call our reservation line 246-6333 during business hours. No voicemails or emails after hours.
** True Blue Inc. reserves the right to cancel the activity due to unsafe weather/ ocean conditions or for not reaching the minimum number of participants. In the event of a cancellation by True Blue Inc. no charge will be incurred by participants, and any deposits will be refunded in full.
Weather Concerns
Tours/Lessons are rarely cancelled due to rain. If our team determines that there are no existing safety issues of concern, such as flash flood, extreme winds, or strong currents, the tour will run as scheduled. Rain around the island is often an unpredictable temporary event.
FOLIO TRAVELOGUE
Stand Up, Chill Out
There’s something about Kalapaki Bay that immediately puts you at ease. Maybe it’s the curve of the shoreline that shields the bay from stronger currents. Maybe it’s the light wind brushing over the surface, just enough to keep things interesting. Either way, it’s exactly where you want to be for your first SUP lesson.
The beach crew was relaxed but dialed in—barefoot instructors who’ve probably been paddling these waters since middle school. They ran us through a few basics on land: how to hold the paddle, where to stand, what to expect when you inevitably fall in. Then we launched.
"Before long, I wasn’t just standing—I was moving."
Out on the water, the learning curve wasn’t steep. Wobbly at first, sure—but the calm made it manageable. One of the instructors paddled beside me, offering subtle tips without micromanaging. Before long, I wasn’t just standing—I was moving. I carved a little, turned toward the headland, and looked out over the open ocean. Felt something click.
We ended with a few tries on the baby waves. Not quite surfing, but close enough to feel the rush. I didn’t catch anything clean, but I didn’t wipe out either. Call it a win.
